Multi-Casualty Incident Management

The lack of a single, coordinated command structure between police and fire departments during a crisis, leading to confusion and delays in responding to the situation.

Police and fire departments failed to establish direct communication links, creating communication gaps during the Aurora theater shooting. The geographical distance between commanders contributed to the issue.

The police dispatcher was overwhelmed with 911 calls, hindering their ability to relay critical EMS requests to the fire department. This led to delays in assigning resources and responding to victims.

The lack of a unified command structure and effective communication resulted in a delay in getting essential resources to victims and coordinating rescue efforts.

The police department's inability to directly communicate with the fire department during the Aurora shooting hindered the efficient allocation of emergency medical services.

Police units independently requested EMS support via the police dispatcher, leading to duplicated requests and confusion about resource allocation.

The incident commanders were physically separated, resulting in a breakdown in communication and coordination during the Aurora theater shooting.

The challenges faced during the Aurora theater shooting highlighted the importance of establishing a unified command structure and ensuring effective communication between emergency responders.

Any area that poses a risk to apparatus, including collapse, thermal damage, smoke, hazardous materials, power lines, etc. Staging apparatus out of the hot zone is crucial.

A predetermined route for ambulances to pick up patients from treatment areas. It's a one-way system to minimize traffic and hazards.

A designated area for apparatus to wait before entering the incident scene, often designated for different types of units.

A designated location for air ambulances to land and take off during an incident. Essential for quick evacuation and transport.

The process of assessing patients and assigning them to different treatment categories based on their severity. Categories include immediate, delayed, minor, and deceased.

The initial arriving officer at an incident who assumes command. The Incident Commander (IC) leads the response and directs operations.

A system used to manage and organize incident response, including assigning roles and responsibilities to personnel.

Ensuring all victims and responders are accounted for after an MCI, including who was transported and where.

Actions taken to prevent further injuries or contamination from an MCI, such as neutralizing a hazard or sealing a leak.

Providing temporary shelter for victims during an MCI, especially in extreme weather conditions.

The process of transferring the responsibility of the MCI scene to the appropriate local authorities after the initial response.

Supporting the Incident Action Plan (IAP) by coordinating resources and establishing a command structure for an MCI.

The use of a unified command structure and communication channels for efficient response to large-scale incidents involving multiple casualties.

Establishing communication channels dedicated to medical operations during an MCI to avoid congestion and ensure efficient coordination.

The process of utilizing specific roles within an MCI command structure to ensure effective management and coordination.

A medical supervisor who bridges the gap between tactical units and the Incident Commander (IC) in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI), managing medical operations at a strategic level.

A key responsibility of the MGS; it involves assessing patients based on their severity and allocating resources appropriately.

The transportation unit leader coordinates all transportation resources for a large incident.

The Triage Unit Leader is responsible for assigning each patient a category based on the urgency of their medical needs.

A level above the MGS, the Medical Branch Director (MBD) manages larger operations where multiple medical divisions are established.

In a larger MCI with geographically spread out patients, the incident may be divided into smaller, manageable units called "medical divisions."

Multiple medical divisions are used for incidents affecting vast areas. Each medical division has its own triage and treatment units.

The Medical Branch Director (MBD) is the supervisor for transportation and patient logistics in a large-scale event.

The time from injury to surgery is crucial for saving lives in an incident involving an intelligent actor. Delaying transport to the hospital directly impacts survival rates.

A situation where an intelligent actor is involved, posing an ongoing threat to responders, requiring action in a dangerous environment.

An incident involving an intelligent actor, where traditional incident management protocols are modified due to the threat zone. This involves prioritizing the immediate evacuation of victims over time-consuming procedures.

The area where the threat originates and where immediate evacuation of victims is prioritized.

A threat zone where there's a law enforcement presence capable of providing protection, though the area might still be under fire. This is a safer environment than a cleared threat zone, but responders must still take precautions.

An area that has been thoroughly searched by law enforcement, eliminating any credible threat. This is the safest type of threat zone for responders, but the dangers of the incident might still be ongoing.

People who require immediate evacuation from a threat zone. They are not yet patients and do not receive traditional medical care until they're removed from danger.

Traditional medical care that patients receive after being removed from a threat zone and stabilized. This involves procedures like triage, assessing injuries, and providing treatment.

A system for quickly assessing and prioritizing patients in a mass casualty incident (MCI). It categorizes victims into Immediate (life-threatening), Delayed (non-life threatening), Minor (walking wounded) and Deceased.

A designated area where victims are gathered after initial triage, awaiting further treatment or transport. It provides a controlled environment for medical care and facilitates efficient management.

The individual responsible for overseeing the transportation of patients from the casualty collection point or treatment area to definitive care. They ensure efficient movement and coordination of ambulance resources.

A designated area for apparatus to wait before entering the incident scene, typically categorized by unit type. It helps organize resources and reduce congestion at the scene.

It refers to the process of having law enforcement secure the scene before fire department or EMS personnel can enter. This practice has advantages and disadvantages.

A critical component in MCI management, it involves the coordination of efforts between different agencies like law enforcement, fire department, and EMS, improving communication and effectiveness.

It refers to the ability to manage incidents involving multiple casualties, requiring coordinated response and specialized skills. It includes planning, communication, and operational strategies.

A critical factor in MCI management, it involves ensuring clear and timely communication between all responders, agencies, and stakeholders. It involves coordination of information flow and resource allocation.